Vitale, Coughlin & Lopez on Launch of
NJ Smart Emergency Rental Assistance
Program in Middlesex County
Press Release
TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (all D-Middlesex) released the following joint statement on the announcement that statewide nonprofit NJSHARES will be launching the “NJ SMART” Emergency Rental Assistance Program in the 19th District:
“Families and residents of the 19th District have suffered tremendous economic loss and prolonged unemployment due to the pandemic. For many, these losses have impacted their ability to afford their rent or mortgage payments. While there is a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, we must continue to work diligently to maximize every resource possible to help residents get through these difficult times.
“The NJ SHARES “NJ SMART” rental assistance program is specifically designed for individuals who lost their household income because of the pandemic. We applaud the organization’s delivery of this pilot program in our district. This program will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of so many families in need.”
Eligible applicants must reside in the 19th Legislative District (Carteret, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, South Amboy and Woodbridge) and must document a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and evidence of imminent eviction or foreclosure due to arrears. Applicants will be eligible for assistance with rent, mortgage and property tax payments in arrears.
To apply to the NJ SMART program, please call (866) 657-4273 or email njsmart@njshares.org with the subject line NJ SMART 19th District application.
Lopez Statement on Resignation of Corrections Ombudsman Following Edna Mahan Hearing
Press Release
TRENTON – Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement in response to the resignation of Corrections Ombudsman Dan DiBenedetti, which comes a day after the joint hearing of the Assembly Judiciary and Assembly Women and Children Committees regarding recent incidents and treatment of women incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility:
“The passage of the Dignity Act granted New Jersey the ability to create the strongest corrections oversight entity in the nation. Yesterday’s hearing cemented the reality that the office was not living up to the expectations or authority with which it has been vested.
“The Office of the Corrections Ombudsman, buttressed by the Dignity Act, is a body designed to specifically act as an impartial ally for the prisoner community at large. It is granted with the powers to investigate and resolve all manners of complaints. Based on yesterday’s hearing, it’s clear the issues of abuse are historic, systemic and urgent, warranting our immediate attention to ensure prisoners are protected and guaranteed a rehabilitative prison experience.
“I look forward to working with new leadership to realize the full potential of the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman. I stand with prisoners, advocates, survivors and the formerly incarcerated in seeing the opportunity a renewed office can bring to enact transformative change.
“Our work is still not done, but with new leadership and perspective in the Office of the Corrections Ombudsman, we are one step closer to changing the culture of abuse and ensuring our prisoners are treated with dignity and respect.”
Vitale, Coughlin & Lopez Applaud Launch of Perth Amboy’s Vaccination Program
Press Release
TRENTON – In response to the launch of the City of Perth Amboy’s community wide vaccination program, Legislative District 19 lawmakers Senator Joe Vitale, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (all D-Middlesex) released the following joint statement:
“Over the past four months, we have worked diligently in partnership with Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba, Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center to build a community vaccination model specifically for Perth Amboy residents.
“Beginning with the senior population, this model has achieved tremendous success and we look forward to increasing our momentum to ensure Perth Amboy’s vaccination totals remain on an upward trend.
“As one of the hardest hit municipalities by COVID-19 in Middlesex County, Perth Amboy must remain a focus area for vaccination efforts. The success of the program is a result of the combined efforts of all partners involved. We look forward to seeing more Perth Amboy residents getting vaccinated and helping our community recover from this crisis.”
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios released the following statement:
“Middlesex County has been proud to support Mayor Caba and the City of Perth Amboy in this initiative and work collaboratively with our county partner Hackensack Meridian Health and our elected officials in the 19th legislative district. We will continue that collaboration to work to expand our partnership so that every resident of Perth Amboy who wants a vaccine has access to one. And as we continue to battle the pandemic throughout every corner of our county, we will build upon the positive momentum created thorough this program in Perth Amboy to continue to find ways to vaccinate residents and fight COVID-19 in all municipalities.”
Perth Amboy residents can register for a vaccination by calling 732-324-3521 Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm or by visiting https://www.perthamboynj.org/community/vaccine_registration.
